Over a century ago, Kenya had no access to electricity.
Today, it is an integral part of everyday life in the country. Kenya Power, popularly known as Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), emerged as the dominant player in power distribution.
WoK traces the historical journey of electrification in Kenya, highlighting the key figures and milestones that shaped the industry and led to the formation of Kenya Power.
The Pioneers of Electrification
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, the second Sultan of Zanzibar, played a crucial role in early electrification efforts in the region.
In 1875, Barghash acquired a generator that illuminated his palace and nearby streets.
Fast forward to 1908, Harrali Esmailjee Jeevanjee, a Mombasa-based merchant, purchased Barghash’s generator and established the Mombasa Electric Power and Lighting Company.
Around the same time, Clement H.A. Hirtzel formed the Nairobi Power and Lighting Syndicate, kickstarting the electrification of Nairobi.
The Birth of Kenya Power
As demand for electricity grew, the Mombasa Electric Power and Lighting Company and the Nairobi Power and Lighting Syndicate merged in 1922, forming the East Africa Power and Lighting Company Ltd. (EAP&L).
EAP&L quickly expanded beyond Kenya’s borders, acquiring interests in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) and Uganda.
In 1932, EAP&L obtained a controlling interest in Tanganyika Electricity Supply Company Ltd (TANESCO).
However, by 1948, EAP&L had exited Uganda due to the establishment of the Uganda Electricity Board.
In 1954, the Kenya Power Company (KPC) was established to construct a transmission line between Nairobi and Tororo in Uganda.
KPC was managed by EAP&L, which listed its shares on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.
These milestones set the stage for the eventual emergence of Kenya Power as a prominent player in the industry.
While Kenya Power grew in prominence, challenges in the power sector emerged.
Environmental degradation in water catchment areas threatened hydroelectric power, the country’s principal source of supply.
To mitigate these challenges, explorations for alternative energy sources were undertaken.
In 1955, geothermal exploration in the Olkaria area commenced, leading to commercial electricity generation in July 1981. Today, Olkaria accounts for about 20% of the national power supply.
Furthermore, Kenya’s discovery of oil and ongoing wind generation trials provide hope for diversifying the energy mix and alleviating the high cost of electricity.
Evolution and Restructuring
To streamline operations and meet evolving demands, significant restructuring occurred in the industry.
In 1997, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) demerged, giving rise to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) for electricity generation.
Additionally, in 2008, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) was formed to handle electricity transmission, relieving KPLC of this responsibility.
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